Armortek

I've just dismantled the smoke generator on my Sherman and found that three of the air holes under the fan were blocked with a gel like substance, quite like vaseline.

Having run the generator on the bench, the smoke seems to condense on the inside of the lid , which is presumably why this gel forms.

So, if you're not happy with your smoke output, it's worth checking the holes haven't become blocked.

Adrian.

Adrian,

Good to know. Thank you for posting your discovery. I just got my Smoke unit working smoothly last night on my Panther.

Kind regards

Tim

adrian,
what sort of fluild are you using in your smoke unit,
thanks, chris.

In a previous life I used to run a stage lighting company, so I'm using some of the professional smoke fluid I happen to have left.

Adrian.

I've made the UKTC designed smoke generator which uses a soldering iron element with fibreglass cloth as a wick over the element. For fluid I use a mix of baby oil and Maplins smoke fluid. I think what ever fluid you use the units eventually get quite dirty and smoke generating capacity diminishes, so regular servicing is needed. I've found it necessary to clean the muck off the element and to replace the fibreglass material and carefully clean the crud off everything, including the fan.